Tips for Ice Maker Cleaning and Maintenance
Safety first! Unplug your appliance before cleaning the ice mechanism. Do not place fingers or hands on the automatic ice making mechanism while the appliance is plugged in. Avoid contact with the moving parts of the ejector mechanism, or with the heating element that releases the cubes.
Apply the right clean to the right part. Care instructions differ based on the ice maker part:
- The ice chute can be cleaned with mild soap and water and a soft cloth. To prevent ice buildup after cleaning, make sure the chute is completely dry.
- For the area behind the glass cradle or pad, wipe clean with vinegar and water or a mild soap and water solution.
- If your appliance has a soft-touch dispenser pad, peel off the back of the dispenser area and wash in a sink with warm water and soap, or a warm water and baking soda solution (about 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of water). Rinse thoroughly and dry.
- To remove deposits from the dispenser tray, soak the area with undiluted vinegar. Continue soaking until the deposit disappears or becomes loose enough to wipe away (usually up to 30 minutes).
Wash plastic by hand. As with any part from your refrigerator or freezer, hand washing plastic parts is recommended. Do not wash plastic parts in the dishwasher.
Fight frost. It’s normal for a small mound of frost, snow or ice to form on the door or flap of an ice chute. This buildup can be eliminated by washing with a warm, damp sponge.
A clean appliance produces the best-tasting ice. Food can transfer odors and tastes to ice. To minimize this transfer, cover and/or securely close food containers. And promptly clean up spilled foods.
Don’t forget the filter. A clogged water filter can restrict water flow to the icemaker and impact overall performance. And a too-old filter can affect how ice tastes. Make filter replacement part of your regular care and maintenance plan. Filters should be changed every six months.